USSI Fundraising Campaign

ICU was founded through the generous support of churches, foundations and private citizens in the United States and Japan. Indeed, JICUF was established in 1948, one year prior to ICU, to organize fundraising efforts from its New York City office. Many prominent individuals and families in the United States, including Eleanor Roosevelt, the Rockefellers, Jackie Robinson, Douglas MacArthur and others supported ICU during its early years. Their interest stemmed from ICU’s unique international and Christian mission and an earnest hope of achieving reconciliation between the United States and Japan after the terrible atrocities of World War II.

Sixty-nine years later, Japan and the United States remain steadfast allies. However, the continued strength of the bond requires continuos effort and the cultivation of the next generation. ICU is well-positioned to lead the way in forging strong bonds between young people from Japan and the United States. ICU’s rigorous Japanese language program and excellent liberal arts curriculum well prepares students from the United States for a career that spans the Pacific Ocean.  With this in mind, JICUF is proud to support the United States Scholars Initiative.